Written Answers Wednesday 23 May 2007

Scottish Executive

NHS Hospitals

Hugh O'Donnell (Central Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what proposed new local health services it will suspend or curtail in each of the Lanarkshire NHS board areas in order to retain the consultant-led accident and emergency unit at Monklands Hospital.

Nicola Sturgeon: We are determined to fulfil our pledge to the people of Lanarkshire and Ayrshire to reverse the decision made by the previous administration on accident and emergency services at Monklands and Ayr hospitals. We are determined to achieve this outcome in a way that benefits all of the people of Lanarkshire and Ayrshire and will make an announcement shortly.

NHS Hospitals

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether a timetable has been set for reversal of the decisions to downgrade accident and emergency provision at (a) Monklands Hospital and (b) Ayr Hospital and, if so, what the timetable is.

Nicola Sturgeon: An announcement setting out how we will fulfil the commitment made in our election manifesto will be made shortly.